6 Great Places To Find A Free Or Cheap Bike

I am really, really interested in buying a new (used) bike and getting into biking. I think it would be a great activity for me and my daughter to do together, as well as much needed, non-weight bearing exercise for me. All of that said, can you recommend some good places to seek out a decent used bike? I’m a single mom who doesn’t have a large budget.

Following is the information I shared with Ginger (…who, by the way, found a cheap bike really quickly and has been biking regularly ever since).

Hopefully, this will help others who are considering getting back into cycling as well.

I also signed up for the Freecycle email list for my area (several years ago), and I’ve given and receive a lot of items for free!

I’d say that bikes aren’t nearly as popular as say, computers and kitchen items — but you’ll see a listing for a bike every once in awhile.

The best part about Freecycle is that everything is being given away for FREE. (And no… things usually are not in crappy condition. I’ve been quite impressed with the many treasures I’ve found through Freecycle!)

Another good thing about Freecycle is you can post “WANTED: A Bike” — mention some of the features you’re looking for (or don’t limit it at all) and you’re likely to get emails from a handful of people who have been contemplating cleaning out their garages and passing on their bikes — for FREE.

All bike shops have a bulletin board somewhere in the store where people post bikes for sale, bikes wanted, etc. I would check there. Be sure to take a thumbtack with you, so you can easily post your own note describing that you’re looking for a basic women’s (or men’s or children’s) bike.

Be honest and to-the-point in your description, such as “nothing fancy (or expensive)” — because some of the bike postings found in bike shops will be for the more expensive bikes used by serious cyclists.

Both eBay and Amazon have an amazing section of new and used bicycles online!

Personally, I would start with used bikes on Amazon under $100, then check out the used bikes on eBay next. From there, it’s easy to compare the price for those same bikes in brand new condition. And, who knows, you might find that it’s worth it to you to spend a few more dollars to buy the brand new version.

On both Amazon and eBay, you can get as specific as you want with the search filters. For example, you can even set an exact price range — as well as the brand, wheel size, mens/womens/unisex, and type (cruiser, road bike, mountain bike).

I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” ideas that most wouldn’t think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed over 10 years before switching gears to pursue activities that I’m truly passionate about. I’ve worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo — to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).

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